Entering mandatory minicamp, there were some questions surrounding the Commanders’ depth at linebacker. However, the team’s answer at the position may already be on the roster. As ESPN’s John Keim writes, the Commanders’ apparent need for a LB may not be as urgent considering the emergence of Khaleke Hudson.
Hudson, a 2020 fifth-round pick, has seen time in 41 games through his first three seasons in the NFL. However, he only has four starts while playing about 85 percent of his total snaps on special teams. In total, the Michigan product has 34 tackles, two tackles for loss, and three QB hits. The defender was cut by Washington last August before catching on with the practice squad. After appearing in 13 games last season, he was signed to a one-year extension back in March.
Jamin Davis is still expected to fill in at the WLB spot, but he was sidelined during minicamp while recovering from offseason knee injury. On the other side, free agent addition Cody Barton was slated to play the MLB role, but he was playing alongside the backups while he learned the defense.
As a result, Hudson saw an increased role during minicamp, and per Keim, the linebacker’s performance impressed coaches. Even if the 25-year-old doesn’t end up starting at either of Washington’s two linebacker spots, it seems all but certain that he’ll still see an increased role on defense in 2023. Plus, as Keim notes, his development may reduce the team’s need for depth at the position. The Commanders are also rostering the likes of David Mayo, De’Jon Harris, and Milo Eifler at the position.
Rahsaan Evans is still out there please
With a July 20th date of sale vote…
The players on the roster, coaching staff, and front office are it for another month.
We’ll know the Commander’s LB problems have escalated out of control when Riverboat Ron is on the field playing his former position.
Linebacker is one of those positions where there is generally a league-wide glut of average-level guys, thus there are clearly players out there that could be acquired via a trade – notably people who weren’t quite good enough to get their option picked up, but who are still arguably better than Washington’s current player(s).
Arguably yes. There is generally a pretty valid reason why those players aren’t having their option picked up. In many cases you would just be substituting one under achiever for another one and most GMs have lukewarm interest in doing that if it involves giving up draft capital.
The Redskins have bet the farm on their secondary (already good, added a 1st and 2nd round CB) and defensive line. The formation for 2023, includes a regular nickelback with just two linebackers on the field.
Shut down pass protection, big beasts up front to stop the run and rush the passer. Linebackers are a tertiary need in DC, finishing tackles or staying home as a spy. For their needs, they have enough adequate backers.